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4 .dY r j. 







RESOLUTIONS 

ADOPTED BY THE 

National Union League of America, 

AT ITS ANNUAL SESSION, 

HELD IN 

Washington City, D. C, Dec. 14 and 15, 1864, 

AND DIRECTED TO BE 

LAID BEFORE THE PRESIDENT. 



A SPECIAL SESSION OF 39TH CONGRESS. 

Mr. Howard, of Connecticut, offered a resolution in favor of calling an 
extra session of Congress. 

On motion of Rev. Mr. Whallen, the rules were suspended, the resolution 
considered and adopted unanimously, viz : 

Resolved, That the prompt amendment of the Constitution, extirpating 
slavery from the soil of the United States, is a measure of permanent im- 
portance; and if the present Congress, in defiance of the will of the people, as 
expressed at the late election, refuses its assent to this great step in American 
progress, an extra session should be called for that purpose at the earliest prac- 
ticable moment. 



THE CABINET. 

FROM THE STATE COUNCIL OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

Office of the State Grand Council, 

Philadelphia, Dec. 10, 1804. 

At a quarterly meeting of the State Grand Council of Pennsylvania U. L. A. held in 
Philadelphia on the 7th inst. the following Preamble and Resolution were unanimously 
adopted : 

Whereas, the Union League of America numbers in the United States about one mil- 
lion of voters, and in this State over five hundred and fifty Councils and about one 



v ^ '•" J 

hundred thousand members; and whi i certain that the successor the Union 

t in Pennsylvania could not have been achieved without the earnesl 
■"•>•■ " toncjk :..w members ; and whereas the principles and 
of the Union League are eminently pati i 

dition of the country, the continuance of the war and the magnitude i and fu- 

ture national questions, i dd be encouraged and perpetual forebeit 

Resolved, That in the opinioc 3tati nncil, the !' lgue of 

America should be distinctly recognized in l: ,., Cabinet of the President 

of the United States; and that looking to this end, a copy hereof be presented by our 
Delegates to the Grand Council soon to meet in Washington, and they be re- 

quested to endeavor to secure sucb action in that body as will tend to promote our 
views. 

Attest: SAUL. F. GWINNEB, 

[ska* stat,: Council of Pa.] ,,, Secret 

.MORTON McMICHAEL, Pres. 

This Resolution was taken up and unanimously adopted by the National 
Council. 



Hon. J. M. Edmunds. 

Whereas, the Hon. J. M. Edmi sds, as Grand President of the Grand National Council 
of the Union League of America, has rendered for several years and especially during 

the recent Presidential campaign, must untiring and efficient service in the promotion 
of its purposes, and for the welfare of the country : Therefore be it 

Resolved, That the State Grand Council of Pennsylvania U. L. A. express in this for- 
formal manner its appreciation of his fidelity and executive ability, and of his uniform 
attention to our requests, and courtesy and urbanity in his individual intercourse and 
as a presiding officer; and that a copy of this preamble and resolution be I 
to him and the National Grand Council. 

[Seal State Council Pennsylvania.] 

At test : SAMUEL F. GWINNER, 

Grand Secretary. 
MORTON McMICHAEL, Pies. 

On motion taken up and unanimously adopted. 



FROM STATE COUNCIL OF NEW YORK. 

Council Chamber of New York State U. L. of A., } 
No. 7 Beekman Street, New York, Dec. 7, 1864. ' j 
At a meeting of the New York State Council U. L. of A., held in the city 
of Albany on the 30th day of November and December 1, 1864, the follow- 
ing preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted, to wit: 

Whereas, The Union party in the city of New York has ever since the commencement 
of the present rebellion exerted its utmost efforts to sustain the National Administra- 



on, whether Northern or Southern, and has by the aid of the 

if the city, as shown in the late 
Presidential election; 

And to the present inevitable element of foreign-born Detno- 

cratic opposition, the Union party has been compelled to meet at the polls the heavy 
vote cast directly by or under the immediate influence of two classes of men who owe 
their present fortunate position solely to the support or clemency of the National Gov- 
ernment, viz : 

First. Nearly, if not fully, one-half of the employees in the New York Custom House, 
Assistant Treasurer's Department, Post Office, Brooklin Navy Yard, and other depart- 
ments, who are either lukewarm and inefficient supporters of the Administration or 
actual and open enemies thereof, using their salaries and the prestige of their official 
position to its detriment or injury; and 

Secoi ! : 6,000 to 10,000 refugees from the States now in rebellion, who having 

resided in the city a sufficient time to acquire the right to vote, have cast such vote in 
solid mass against the Union party at the late election, au 1 who since their residence 
in the North have steadily and pe o ipos ■ ' i*nd d ifamed the Government and 

depreciated the value of its securities : Therefore 

Resolved by the JNeio York Stale Council, Union Li tgue of America, first. That while fully 
i a ng any de ire i rtenrii a o i : '-' >art to interfere with or suggest the appoint- 
ment of persons to office in any of the Departments of the Government, this Council vlo 

i present to the President of the Uni •■! Stati i fcu in its delib 
opinion, their is urgent, grave, and immediate n •• the removal of all such 

employees in the Assistant Treasurer's Depa i stom House, -Post Office, and 

Navy Yard, and other department - trm or inefficient in their support. of 

the Government, or are open and avowed enemies thereto, and that in their pla 
should be appointed only men who, in addition to the usual necessary qualifications 
for their ve employments, are well known, and proved beyond doubt to be able, 

zealou led supporters of the Administration. 

itl »the President of the Ohited States 
that in its deliber there is an equally -rave, urgent and ira nediate necessity 

that orders should be issued to thi amand of the Department — including 

New York city— tit ■ r, the name i -■ of all per- 

sons, now department, who have remo 1 from States now in 

rebellion, since the commencement of the war, and that, such measures be taken with 

ice or othe 
themselves of treason or com 

•nd with that of imported rebels, and tint the n sople of the 
nger see in their midst thousands of men who do naught 'nut corrupt 
theii ■ ■ mis in gold, 

■• the value of .... nd ubsistance. 

d. — That in a : m itlt he letter and Mi resolution, ado] 

• duty of all coi 

e, oi i i : upon ail 

I m authoril ?, • 

; | . | noil itliei 



Fourth. — That all those who opposed the Union party in its late terrible, but success- 
ful, struggle to sustain the integrity of the Union and the Constitution, are unworthy 
of any official trust in the gift of that party, until after they shall do works meet for re- 
pentance. 

Resolved, That copies of the above Preamble and Resolutions, attested by the Presi- 
dent and Secretary of this Council, be presented to the President of the United Stat es 
and the Heads of Departments in Washington, and to the National Council, and that 
Hou. Reuben E. Fenton, Hon. Thomas Gr. Alvord, Hon. Amaziah B. James, Charles W. 
Godard, Isaac M. Schermerhorn, Charles H. Thompson and Benjamin Field, be and 
are hereby appointed a Committee for that purpose. 
A True Copy. 

Attest. MARTIN THATCHER, 

Recording and Corresponding Secretary. 



Continuance of the Organization. 

Offered by Sinclair Tousey, Esq., of New York : 

Whereas, The causes that led to the organization of this Order are still in existence 
and whereas the success of our past labors are seen iu the present political situation of 
the country: Therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the organization he considered a permanent institution until the rebel- 
lion is crushed and slavery constitutionally abolished. 

Resolved, That the Executive Committee be requested to prepare such means and sug- 
gestions as will, in their opinion, tend to increase the efficiency of the Order, and to pro- 
mulgate the same to all the Councils and Leagues under the jurisdiction of this 
Council. 



A Monthly Pamphlet. 

Offered by Mr. Schermerhorn, of New York : 
Resolved, That in view of the recommendation of tlie Executive Committee, which has 
been adopted by this Council, that a monthly pamphlet in the interest and in aid of our 
Order be issued, it is declared to be the duty of State and local Councils to subscribe for 
a sufficient number of such pamphlets to supply the members, thus affording a guaran- 
tee that the expense of such publication will be promptly provided for. 



Disloyal Employees. 

Resolved, That the Executive Committee of this Council be instructed to address a 
circular to the Heads of the various Departments, requesting them to furnish a list of 
the names of the clerks and employees in their Departments from each State, Territory, 
and District of Columbia, with a view to enable the Committee to procure testimony to 
lie laid before their respective congressional delegations, or other persons having con- 



trol of such clerks or employees, who, after having the facts before them, shall, as far 
as practicable hereafter, be held strictly responsible for the appointment or continuance 
in office of copperheads, or political opponents, or trimmers. 



Congratulation and Support of the President. 

APPOINTMENTS TO OFFICE. 

Whereas, we have just passed through a very exciting canvass, which has resulted in 
the trinmph of Republican principles and the election of Abraham Lincoln and Andrew 
Johnson ; and whereas the Union League of America was a very powerful engine in the 
canvass, and in the opinion of its members was the organization of all others which 
brought about this glorious result; Therefore, 

Resolved, That we congratulate the President on his re-election, and upon the triumph 
of the principles which he represents. 

Resolved, That the Union League does hereby renew its pledges to the Government to 
sustain it and the flag, and to uphold with all the power of the organization the hands 
of the President in carrying out the principles of liberty and the maintenance of the 
Union. 

Resolved, That this organization has an abiding faith and expectation that the will of 
the people as to the maintenance of the Union, the constitutional extinction of slavery, 
and the reconstruction of the Cabinet, as announced by the National Convention at Bal- 
timore, endorsed by this Council, and confirmed at the polls, will be faithfully carried 
out by the executive. 

Resolved, That owing to frequent impositions practiced upon the Executive in pro- 
posing for and retaining in o!lice men who are of doubtful loyalty, it be respectfully 
recommended to the President and Heads of Departments as a means of determining the 
true position of an applicant tor office, that the Loyal League be recognized as advisory 
in such appointments, and that the unqualified endorsement of the Council in the town 
or district, in which such applicants resides, be considered the highest recommendation 
which can be presented to the appointing power. 

Resolved, That whereas it has been alleged as a reason for appointing or continuing 
in office men of doubtful loyalty, that Union men cannot be found to fill the positions ; 
it is tiie opinion of this League that such offices be abolished or left vacant until loyal 
men can be found to fill them. 

Resolved, That this National Council most earnest protests againstthe further reten- 
tion in the Army and Navy of officers who cannot be trusted to lead our forces against. 
the enemy, and in Federal offices of active political opponents, or other persons not in 
full sympathy with the principles of the Union party, and we hereby call on the appoint- 
ing powers to remove forthimth all such persons from places of honor and profit, and to 
appoint in their stead men whose principles are in sympathy with the party that placed 
the Administration in office. 

Resolved, That a committee of one from each .State and Territory, and District of 
Columbia, represented in the Council, be appointed to present copies of these and other 
appropriate resolutions to the President and also the Heads of Departments. 



6 

The following >pted, viz : 

.... , . 
each State to wait upon th ' e Resolutions of this Council lie 

so amended as to make it a the Executive ee to perform that 

duly. 

On motion, the Council adjourned sine die. 

J. M. EDMUNDS, 

Grand President. 

W. R. Irwin, 



THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 



g HTML C0MIL, 1. L OF I. 

REPORT: 

That since the special session of the Council at Baltimore on the 6th, 7th, 
and 8th of June last, the printed matter circulated by the Committee has 
been as follows ; 

4,000 Rituals 80,000 pages 

42,900 Pamphlets 776,000 " 

4,000 Journals of Convention 48,000 " 

14,000 Circulars 27,000 " 

2,300 Blanks 2,300 " 



67,200 Rituals, pamphlets, &c, covering 933,400 

62,775 Pamphlets of Cong. Committee, circulated by Sec- 
retary of the National Council 753,300 " 



129,975 Pamphlets, &c, covering 1,686,700 " 

being total circulated since June 6, 1864. 

Receipts jind Expenditures since June 6, 1864. 

Balance on hand at last meeting $278 98 

Received from State and sub Councils 1,877 80 



Expended for printing 81,827 00 

Telegrams, stationery, and incidentals 40 62 



2,156 78 
1,867 62 



Balance in treasury 289 16 



JO 

General Review. 

Paid for printing to Dec. 9, 1863 SI ,544 25 

June 6, 1864 1,283 25 

Dec. 14, 1864 1,827 00 



Total amount paid for printing 4,654 50 



Total No. Rituals 32,850 

•' Journals Convention 10,000 

" Constitutions 9,400 

" other publications 174,475 



226,725 



Total pamphlets, &c, to Dec. 9, 1863=74,600 1,155,750 pages 

June 6, 1861=84,925 1,125,150 « 

Dec. 14,1864=67,200 933,400 " 



226,725 3,314,300 « 
No. publications of Cong Com., circu- 
lated by Secretary of League 62,775 753,300 " 



Total publications circulated 289,000 4,067,600 « 



Issued Charters since June 6, 1864 — for one subordinate Council at James- 
town, Kentucky ; for State Council at Louisville, Kentucky. 

Total charters issued since the organization of the Grand National Coun- 
cil : 

For subordinate Councils 115 

For State and Territorial Councils 31 

Correspondence. 

Since the last Annual Meeting the whole number of letters received is 830 
And the pages of letter record covered by our replies 365 

Of the character of our publications and of their adaptation to the crisis of 
the Nation, some conception may be formed from the subjoined partial list 
and the dates of their publication : 

1. The Peace Democracy, alias Copperheads 1863 

2, Letter to Frank Pierce 1863 



11 

8. The New Hampshire Peace Democracy I860 

4. The Opinions of Abraham Lincoln upon Slavery and its issues, 
vindicated by his speeches, letters, &c 1863 

5. Proceedings and speeches at a Ratification Meeting of Lincoln and 
Johnson, Washington, D. C 1864 

6. Political Dialogues, or Soldiers on their right to vote and the men 

they should support 1864 

7. The true designs of the Chicago Convention, the conspiracy of the 
Rebel j and the Peace Democracy 1864 

8. Opinions and Practice of the Founders of the Republic in relation 
to arbitrary arrests, imprisonment of Tories, Writ of Habeas Cor- 
pus, &c, &c. ; or, the Administration of Abraham Lincoln sustained 

by the Sages and Heroes of the Revolution 1864 

No. 1 of these was published by individual or local enterprise 
shortly after it was issued. 

No. 4 was adopted as a Campaign Document by the National Union 
Congressional Committee, after we had issued about two hundred thousand 
copies. The only change made by that committee was the omission of our 
initial letters " U. L. A." 

No. 6 was also re-issued from our stereotyped plates by that committee, 
and also re-issued in Ohio by the National Union Association, and copied 
into various newspapers in different localities. 

Parts of other publications have also been re-issued, or made the basis of 
campaign pamphlets. 

Our circulars and appeals cannot be enumerated, but they have harmon- 
ized in tone and number with our pamphlets. 

At the close of this second year of the operations of our organization, and 
after the great moral and political triumph at 1 lie recent elections, which has 
been achieved, as we believe, through its instrumentality, it may r.ot be in- 
appropriate to refer to the past, in order to give a fair view of what we have 
accomplished, and for the purpose of drawing from that storehouse of expe- 
rience lessons for the future. 

On the 27th of October, 1862, the first Council of the U. L. A. was or- 
ganized in this District, at which time it had sonic considerable strength and 
a State Council in the State of Illinois. But there was then no national 
head. No other State organization, and no where sufficient influence to 
prevent the triumph of the opponents of the Government at the elections of 
that year, as the loss of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illi- 
nois abundantly manifested. 

It was seen and appreciated by the few members of the Order then at the 



12 

National Capital that this demoralization of public sentiment mnstbe promptly 
and effectually checked, the patriotism of the country aroused, and the peo- 
ple brought, to cordially support the Administration as it existed, or an opposi- 
tion Congress would be brought into power, and as a consequence the arm 
of the Government raised for the suppression of the rebellion be paralized, 
and that thus our unity as a nation would be destroyed and the success of the 
insurgents be rendered certain. 

The Thirty-eighth Congress was not yet wholly lost, and it was believed 
that if the current of public sentiment then rapidly setting against the Ad- 
ministration could be at once reversed in the States yet to vote, the antici- 
pated evils might be arrested. 

To accomplish this required immediate action; there was no time for con- 
sultation with friends in distant sections, and the notoriety of a general 
convention might defeat the very purpose in view, by proclaiming, as it 
would, to our opponents the measures in progress against their further 
triumphs. 

These were the considerations which induced the then only local Council 
in this District to assume the functions of a Grand National Council, and 
to commence the work of extending the organization over the States and 
Territories of the Union, and especially first and immediately into the States 
in which congressional elections were still pending. 

This work was successfully accomplished — all of the States carried, as 
indisputable facts declare, by the efforts of our order, though just in its 
infancy. 

Soon as possible thereafter — on the 20th May following — a National Con- 
vention of the Order assembled at Cleveland, Ohio, where all differences were 
harmonized by the adoption of a common constitution, ritual, and unwritten 
work, the election of officers, and the declaration of an unalterable purpose 
to persist until the salvation and unity of the country should be assured, 
and liberty in all its vast extent be firmly and forever established. 

From that time to the present the work of organization and of educating 
the American people to a more earnest and consolidated patriotism has been 
quietly, but firmly and successfully, pressed forward, regaining all the States 
lost in 1862, and winning and holding others, until the final culmination in 
the most momentous and grandest political success achieved by any nation — 
a victory completely and forever vindicating American institutions as the 
strongest and best of the world, and the American people as so intelligently 
and positively devoted to free institutions as to give the assurance that they 
will maintain them alike against internal and external foes, no matter how 



IS 

formidable they may be in the acts and wisdom of statesmanship or the in- 
strumentality and forces of battle. 

With such a record we might well afford to pause, and could do so with 
propriety, if the condition of the country was such as to allow any cessation 
of hostility against the common enemy. 

But such is not its condition. We have prevented the catastrophe for 
which our opponents in the loyal States and our open enemies in the insur- 
gent terrritory have unitedly prayed, plotted, and labored. For the lime 
being we have silenced that opposition, but not annihilated it. 

In some new garb it must be again encountered before the rebellion, and 
the consequences flowing from it, shall leave the country in peace and se- 
curity ; until then our efforts are still demanded ; until then our obligations 
are not fully redeemed. 

The committee, it will be observed, enters upon no argumentation to show 
the power and effects of our organization. It simply refers to a fact known 
to the members of the order. 

Those unacquainted with its operation — who can only recognize influences 
which present themselves with ostentation and "the pomp and show" of 
personal ambition — cannot be expected to assign it its true place in the late 
achievement of the country. 

Such we cannot convince, nor do we aim to do so. 

It is not simply, however, as an organizing political engine that we have 
been known and felt. 

Frauds, peculations, and unfaithfulness in official position, have been sought 
out, exposed, and punished, to an extent that it is neither desirable or politic 
to mention. To do so might lessen our usefulness for similar work hereafter. 
Content with results, we have no disposition to publicly proclaim our doings 
in that respect. 

To a great extent these results are attributable to the fidelity and vigilance 
of our State and Subordinate Councils. Indeed too much credit cannot be 
given to these bodies. Every where they have stood as faithful watchmen 
over the interests of the government, composed as they have been of men of 
stern loyalty, and in many instances of rare political wisdom, sagacity and 
energy. 

For the work above indicated we are still needed ; and shall be more needed 
as we advance into the insurgent districts. Our organization should every 
where follow our Armies as closely as possible. 



14 

It has already accomplished much in Arkansas and Tennessee. It has been 
indispensible in Missouri, and of great service in Kansas. 

It is urgently called for in North Carolina. 

As our military conquests increase, we shall have more difficult ground to 
cultivate — more ignorance to combat — more disloyalty to encounter, and new 
combinations in the ranks of the opposition to meet and overthrow. 

As the friends and supporters of the existing and incoming administration, 
we must sustain it in all that is right, and it is equally our duty to exert 
ottr influence to prevent it from wrong or mistakes. It has a fearful respon- 
sibility to meet. We must share it. Our armies must be kept full. Our 
finances must be sustained. Taxation must be borne. All these will bring 
upon the administration the fierce denunciation of a well organized party of 
no inconsiderable numerical strength, and which, with a patriotic platform, 
(and it will not again organize upon a disloyal one,) might in future contests 
draw disaffected persons from the support of the Administration to an extent 
that would control many of the States and possibly the legislative department 
of the Government, before the conclusion of the approaching term and before 
the complete restoration of the insurgent Territory is effected. Such results 
must be prevented, and will only be prevented by constant vigilance, incessant 
labor, and perfect organization. 

The Executive Committee knows of no organization so perfect, so general, 
so well adapted to this work and so well aware of its necessity, as the one- it 
represents. Should ours disband, there is none which could take its place 
with sufficient promptitude and experience. We therefore express the con- 
viction that it is our imperative duty not only to continue and increase the 
efficiency of the organization, but especially to extend it rapidly as possible 
into all the territory of the rebellion. 

Let it then be remembered, that while the past is well, — crowded with 
the evidences of our struggles and the emblems of our rejoicing, the future 
calls to us lor action of no uncertain tendency or small power. Encouraged, 
invigorated, North, East, West, and South, like the Grecian phalanx, in 
firm, consolidated force, we should move upon the colums of the enemies of 
our Nationality, without regard to their devices, their banners, or their 
names. 

The means by which these objects can best be accomplished should be care- 
fully devised, considered, and adopted, and their execution be provided for by 
this Council. It is not thought by the committee that interest in the organi- 
zation will be best promoted by too frequent meetings in localities where polit- 
ical campaigns are not actually in progress, but it is recommended that these 
meetings be held at fixed periods by all local Councils, and that they be at 
least as often as once in each mouth: - 



15 

It is also suggested that the Executive Committee be authorized to issue 
a monthly pamphlet of not less than eight pages, for circulation among the 
members and to be read to the Council and distributed at the meeting next 
succeeding its reception. These pamphlets should contain such information 
of the progress and success of the order as it may be deemed proper to make 
public, accurate information on questions of vital public policy, and on meas- 
ures about which misapprehension or diversity of sentiment may arise, and 
suggestions as to the best manner of keeping up the interest and usefulness 
of the Order. The matter of these pamphlets might be derived from the 
wisdom, experience, and views of State and local Councils. 

It should be insisted that local Councils make special efforts to secure a 
prompt attendance of all members at their meetings, and that all young men 
over eighteen years of age and all returned honorably discharged soldiers be 
brought within the influence of the Councils, and induced to become mem- 
bers in all cases, where their character is not absolutely objectionable, or 
their disloyalty beyond reformation. With proper attention, these classes 
will not only become active and efficient members, but they will he with- 
drawn effectually and permanently from the ranks and the influence of the 
opposition. 

Special efforts should be made by the local Councils to have at each meet- 
ing some person in attendance qualified and prepared to speak upon the 
issues of the day. 

It should be made the duty of local Councils to investigate and report 
promptly to the State or National Council all frauds against the Govern- 
ment by officials or otherwise, always taking care to sustain their charges 
by adequate and reliable testimony. Sympathy with the rebellion, or con- 
sorting ami acting with those who thus sympathize, by any official should 
be carefully investigated, and the charge and the proof should be for- 
warded, with a request for the removal of the offender, with a recommenda- 
tion for the appointment in his place of some competent and earnestly loyal 
man. We should see to it that those who enjoy the dignity or emoluments 
of official station are the earnest, cordial, bold supporters of the appoint ins; 
power. The proper execution of an administrative policy cannot be se- 
cured by or through those who are secretly or openly hostile or lukewarm 
to it. 

Access to the sources of power should be made easy to the accredited 
agents of the Order, that its watchfulness may be made effective, and that 
justice may be prompt to overtake the guilty. 

We cannot be expected to sustain those who oppose or fail to support the 
purposes of our organization, and it is our duty to draw the line as promptly 



16 



and plainly as possible. We respect men only as they are the embodiment 
and exponent of the principles and purposes we advocate. We cannot sup- 
port any man on any other grounds. Devoted to our country, sworn to 
defend and perpetuate it, we can only admire and sustain those who exhibit 
true patriotism and statesmanship. Failing in these, they cannot secure 
our approval nor obtain our support. 

Of our views in relation to questions of National policy, not already re- 
ferred to, the Committee do not deem it necessary to speak with any extend- 
ed observations. It will be enough to say, that in the common meaning of 
the terms, they regard the order as both conservative and radical. 

As respects the preservation of our free institutions, the unity of our gov- 
ernment, and the maintenance of its rights and honor abroad, we are earn- 
estly, intensely conservative. Republicanism must not perish on the Amer- 
ican continent. Not a star must be allowed to break away from the National 
constellation. 

No foreign government — not prince or queen — must be permitted unre- 
buked to insult our flag. 

As regards the institution of human slavery, and the present and final 
position of the insurgent States, we are radical — earnestly, intensely radical. 

We should be radical. We must be radical. 

Slavery in all of its attributes and tendencies is inhuman, barbarous, de- 
basing, ignoble, destructive. It is "evil and only evil, and that continu- 
ally," and, there is not a foot of American soil which it should be allowed 
to curse and darken with its crimes and presence. 

The States in which it has existed, should not therefore "have an active 
place among us," — a voice in the Council Chambers of our Capital, until 
they come proclaiming as did the old bell of Independence Hall, "Liberty 
throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof." 

To require less than this would be to warm into new life the viper which 
is endeavoring to infuse a deadly poison into the National heart — to deliber- 
ately plant^ under the Temple of our freedom a volcano of future woe and 
ruin. 

This we cannot, — dare not, — will not do. 

With these statements of our operations, suggestions as to our future, and 
indication of our feelings and principles, the report is respectfully submit- 
ted. 

J. M. EDMUNDS, G. P. 
J. W. FORNEY, G. V. P. 
W. R. IRWIN, G. R. S. 
LEWIS CLEPPIANE, G. T. 
D. P. HOLLOWAY, G. M. 



JOSEPH H. BARRETT, "] 

GEO. W T . McLELLAN, 

A. W. RANDALL, 

WM. P. DOLE, 

WM. A. COOK, 

EDW. A. ROLLINS, 

A. C. RICHARDS, 

ISAAC M. SCHERMERHORN,N. Y. 



Reside in the District 
of Columbia. 



Washington, December 14, 1864. 



Win. II. M«o:», prlatw. 



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